Rotary Drive Elements for High-Speed Object Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current conveyor systems face challenges in efficiently collecting and sorting objects with unstable equilibrium, as existing devices require moderate conveyor belt speeds and large object spacing to prevent collisions and blockages, and sorting devices apply uniform forces leading to unpredictable object displacement.
Innovation Solution
A transfer device with rotary drive elements that adopt varying diameters and positions to minimize force application and optimize object trajectory, allowing for high-throughput collection and sorting of unstable equilibrium objects by using curved transfer paths and independent element movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cylindrical roller conveyor is used for collection with a conveyor belt, then objects can be inserted onto the main path, but the conveyor belt speed must be moderate and large distance between objects is required to prevent collisions and blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary elements are made movable between a lowered position (below the conveying path) and a raised position (above the conveying path). This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its structure based on operational needs, enabling high-speed conveying when elements are lowered and controlled object interaction when elements are raised, thus resolving the contradiction between throughput rate and safe object insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying path is divided into multiple discrete rotary elements rather than a continuous belt. This segmentation allows individual elements to be independently controlled and positioned, enabling objects to be inserted between elements without requiring the entire conveying surface to slow down, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining safe insertion conditions
2Ease of operation
If rotary elements are configured to apply identical forces to objects for sorting, then objects can be extracted from the main path, but unpredictable displacement occurs including rotation and tilting of objects
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary elements are equipped with drive surfaces having varying external diameters along their length, creating local variations in force application. Elements closer to the conveying path have smaller diameters and apply gentler forces, while elements farther away have larger diameters. This local differentiation ensures stable object extraction without causing rotation or tilting, maintaining conveyor flow reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary elements exhibit asymmetric force distribution through their varying diameter configuration. Rather than applying uniform force across all elements, the system uses asymmetric diameter progression to create a graduated force application pattern that stabilizes objects during extraction, preventing unpredictable displacement and maintaining flow stability
3Ease of operation
If uniform force application is used in sorting devices, then object extraction is simplified, but the flow rate is limited to 3000 unstable equilibrium objects per hour
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the configuration of rotary elements between lowered and raised positions, and varies the engagement of elements with different diameters, to handle unstable equilibrium objects at high speeds. This dynamic approach replaces the static uniform force application, enabling throughput rates exceeding 7000 objects per hour while maintaining effective sorting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The external diameter parameter of the rotary elements is varied along their length rather than kept uniform. This parameter change creates a progression of force application intensities that allows the system to process unstable equilibrium objects at high speeds without causing them to tip or rotate, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining sorting effectiveness
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables high-throughput object transfer rates exceeding 7000 objects per hour with reduced object spacing, minimizing tilting and rotation risks, and maintaining conveyor flow stability.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of rotary drive elements (11) configured to drive an object contacting said elements (11)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an object transfer device for a conveying installation, the device including a main object conveying path and a plurality of rotary drive elements, the rotary elements being configured to adopt a lowered position in which the element is situated below the main path a raised position in which the element projects above the main path in order to drive an object, the rotary drive element including drive surfaces with external diameters that vary over the length of the element, wherein the drive surfaces of the rotary drive elements have an external diameter that varies according to the angular position of the rotary element along the transfer path. Also disclosed is a conveying installation including such transfer device.